SAITAMA, Japan — A tightly contested match between Japan and Australia ended in a 1-1 draw during Asian World Cup qualifying, with both teams benefiting from own-goals.
Shogo Taniguchi of Japan inadvertently scored for Australia just before the 60-minute mark at Saitama Stadium. However, Cameron Burgess of Australia quickly leveled the score with another own-goal shortly after, ensuring Japan remained at the top of Group C with 10 points from four matches, five points ahead of Australia, who sits in second place.
Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, currently in third and fourth places respectively, are set to meet later on Tuesday.
Australian midfielder Jackson Irvine expressed pride in his team’s defensive performance, highlighting the calmness and composure shown throughout the match. “It’s a top foundation for us to move forward,” he stated confidently.
While Japan, having qualified for every World Cup since 1998, began aggressively, they struggled to turn their possession into clear scoring opportunities. Takefusa Kubo had the best chance of the first half, sending a shot into the side netting, while Kaoru Mitoma, playing for Brighton, had a shot deflected wide.
The second half started similarly until, following a missed header from Takumi Minamino, Australia shocked the Japanese crowd with a goal in the 58th minute. Lewis Miller delivered a cross from the right, which Taniguchi attempted to clear but inadvertently sent into his own net, past the diving Zion Suzuki, sparking celebrations among the visiting fans.
This goal marked the first time Japan had conceded in ten qualifiers spanning the second and third rounds. Japan responded with determination and found the equalizer in the 76th minute through another own-goal. Keito Nakamura made a progression down the left flank, and his low cross accidentally hit Burgess before finding the back of the net.
Despite Japan’s relentless effort to secure the winning goal and maintain their unbeaten qualifying record, they had to settle for a draw in the end.
In this qualifying round, the top two teams from each of the three six-team groups will automatically qualify for the World Cup. Meanwhile, third and fourth place teams will advance to a subsequent round in pursuit of additional spots.
Elsewhere in Group B, South Korea secured a 3-2 victory against Iraq in Yongin, moving three points clear at the top. Oh Se-hun opened the scoring four minutes before halftime, only for Aymen Hussein to level with a stunning bicycle kick six minutes into the second half. Late goals from Oh Hyeong-gyu and Lee Jae-sung ultimately clinched the victory for South Korea, keeping them on track for their 11th straight World Cup appearance.